La Crosse, WI — At the monthly meeting of the Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO (WWAFLCIO) held on Wednesday evening January 21st, the delegates unanimously voted to join the Minnesota AFL-CIO and all five Minnesota regional labor councils plus numerous other unions in supporting the Day of Truth and Freedom this Friday (1/23/2026).
Working family’s members in Minnesota are again finding themselves called upon to lead our nation through a challenging and scary time: Operation Metro Surge, which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) describes as the “largest DHS operation in history” that is focused on the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
Western Wisconsin workers stand united with the Minnesota labor movement against the violent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) occupation of our beloved cities that has directly impacted all working families, unionized or not. The disruptions caused in workplaces and families by ICE’s unquenchable actions are unacceptable.
Rank-and-file workers are essential for all communities to function. Since the ICE campaign of terror began, both immigrant and non-immigrant workers have feared for their wellbeing and security when going to work, being at work, and coming home from work. Workers and their families are being criminally detained at disturbing rates, with workplaces and schools facing challenges intensifying daily.
“ICE’s continued occupation, actions, and tactics are harming communities throughout Minnesota and making us all less safe. They are indiscriminately targeting Minnesotans of color, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Many people are fearful of daily activities like going to work, shopping for groceries, and sending their children to school.
– Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham
The Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO joins with the other honorable voices for fairness that demand:
– ICE must leave Minnesota now.
– The agent who killed Renee Good must be held legally accountable.
– No additional federal funding for ICE in the upcoming Congressional budget and ICE be investigated for human and constitutional violations of Americans and our neighbors.
– Minnesotan and national companies to become 4th Amendment Businesses to ease economic relations with ICE and refuse ICE entry or using their property for staging areas.
The Central Labor Council of Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO represents thousands of workers throughout the Coulee Region in diverse sectors. The Council is committed to economic, social, and racial justice and works tirelessly to create a fair and just future for all.
